2021 United Way of Saskatoon & Area Community Impact Report by unitedwaysaskatoon

2021

UNITED WAY OF SASKATOON & AREA

Community Impact Report

Local Love is the passion a person has for their community and their neighbors. Acts of local love are how we can come together as a community to tackle #UNIGNORABLE issues. An act of local love can take many forms. It might be as simple as a wave hello or as exciting as an office group volunteering for a community Day of Caring project. At United Way we are committed to channeling local love in all we do, so that together we can change lives through long-term, sustainable change.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission, Vison, & Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Focus Areas, Outcomes and #UNIGNORABLE Issues . . . 5 Message from our CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Community Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 COVID-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Story - Saskatoon Public Library Walk-up Window . . . . 9 COVID-19 Funding Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Diversity and Indigenous Engagement . . . . . . . . . . 12 United Way in the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 All That Kids Can Be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Poverty to Possibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Building Strong Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Journey Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Summer Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 211 Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 . Story - Jane Horner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

United Way works year-round to address the complex needs of our community’s most vulnerable people; the children, families and individuals who are often ignored. We participate in research, advocacy, collaborative projects, education and training, and facilitate strategic partnerships in order to solve long ignored issues including, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, food security, school readiness, mental health, and social isolation.

MISSION Improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.

VISION Bring people and resources together to build a vibrant and caring community.

OUR CORE VALUES • Embrace diversity • Demonstrate trust, integrity, respect, inclusivity, and transparency • Commit to reconciliation with Indigenous communities • Energize and inspire volunteerism and volunteer leadership • Provide non-partisan leadership • Endorse innovation, partnerships, and collective action

2021 Community Impact Report

At United Way, we are committed to solving #UNIGNORABLE social and economic issues including: • • • • •

Poverty Homelessness Domestic violence Hunger Education inequality

• • • •

Social isolation/Racism Mental health Unemployment Access to services

Together, we positively impact the lives of vulnerable children, youth and their families through three targeted investments areas: • Moving people from poverty to possibility • Building strong communities • Helping kids be all that they can be

United Way will meet our goals in these three focus areas by: • Engaging and mobilizing community dollars, influence, time, knowledge and action; • Identifying and addressing underlying causes;

• Strengthening the network of services and capacity of human-service agencies and the community; and • Educating, raising awareness and influencing public perceptions, systems and policy.

2021 Community Impact Report

Sheri Benson, CEO, United Way of Saskatoon & Area

MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO The past year was like no other year we experienced as a community. It was a year of unpredictability and uncertainty. It was also a year filled with the grace of humanity and local love for the people who suffered the most. We came together as a community uniting our compassion, our resilience and our resources. The power of working together and caring for one another is what United Way is all about. This Impact Report is a snapshot of United Way’s work in the community during one of the toughest times in history. And although it was a difficult time for so many, thanks to the support of our amazing donors, United Way was able to change the lives of thousands of individuals, families and children right here at home.

2021 Community Impact Report

COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS United Way relies on the financial support of our donors and corporate partners year after year. The generosity and local love that these individuals have for our community allow United Way to tackle the #UNIGNORABLE and growing issues facing Saskatoon and area.

4,592

UNITED WAY RAISED

$4.4 MILLION DOLLARS TOTAL ALLOCATIONS AND PROGRAM GRANTING

NUMBER OF DONORS 41%

20%

COVID-19 RELIEF GRANTS

STRONG COMMUNITIES

10%

“

ALL THAT KIDS CAN BE

We give to United Way because we believe everyone has the right to feel safe and supported, and we all have a responsibility to lift each other up. | Delorme Family

”

3% LOCAL LOVE RESPONSE FUND COVID-19 FUNDING

18%

POVERTY TO POSSIBILITY

DONOR DIRECT GIVING

2021 Community Impact Report

COVID-19 In 2020, United Way of Saskatoon and Area allocated over $1.9M in funding to support vulnerable seniors, youth, adults, and families across central and northern Saskatchewan. 92 unique projects in 26 different communities received financial support through our three COVID-19 funding streams: • United Way of Saskatoon and Area Local Love Fund; • Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund and; • Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

#UNIGNORABLE ISSUES TACKLED THROUGH COVID-19 FUNDING:

23%

13%

SOCIAL ISOLATION + CULTURAL SUPPORTS

POVERTY & HOMELESSNESS

13%

MENTAL HEALTH

15%

CHILD & YOUTH SUPPORTS

26%

FOOD SECURITY

FINANCIAL WELLNESS & EMPLOYMENT

4% DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

SASKATOON INTER-AGENCY RESPONSE FUND Our community is strongest when we work together, and as the stress on our community grew, it was important United Way joined the Saskatoon Inter-Agency Response collective; a group of more than 50 local organizations and agencies that came together to develop a local community strategy that would ensure agencies on the ground could continue their critical work during COVID-19. The money raised, thanks to amazing donor support of United Way of

2021 Community Impact Report

Saskatoon and Area’s Local Love Fund, contributed to the joint Inter-Agency Response Fund and was used to support local front line community agencies. SASKATOON

COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Tyrell Sargent and Jacqui Hutton, Outreach Workers

United Way of Saskatoon and Area Supports Saskatoon Public Library’s Walk-Up Window through the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund. The newly installed Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) Outreach Worker Walk-Up Window provides safe and valuable access to services previously offered by the library. The window is located at the Francis Morrrison Central Library in the heart of Saskatoon’s downtown district. The Walk-Up Window allows Outreach Workers to meaningfully connect with adults and youth including seniors, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, people living with mental illness, people who are experiencing poverty and homelessness, and persons with disabilities, who require assistance navigating community resources. The project, funded through a $15,000 grant provided by United Way of Saskatoon and Area and the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund has helped vulnerable community member’s access: emergency shelter, food security, long-term housing, mental health supports, health information, assistance in filling out applications, and approximately 24 other community support referrals.

One individual, who was unable to enter the library due to COVID-19 restrictions, was able to receive a referral to emergency housing support and fill out an application for long term housing. Another individual received assistance with an application for ID, access to other necessary health information, and was able to secure housing by utilizing the Outreach Worker’s monthly housing list. Both service users have been back to SPL a number of times to access various supports. The Walk-Up Window has increased accessibility and reduced barriers for users, and now as a permanent installation it will continue to be a safe place to access information for individuals in Saskatoon’s downtown core.

2021 Community Impact Report

COVID-19 FUNDING RECIPIENTS Town of Aberdeen (Aberdeen Christmas Miracles Group) . . . . . . . . . | Aberdeen Northern Village of Beauval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Beauval Wapiti Regional Library - Birch Hills Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Beauval Kikinahk Friendship Centre - Buffalo Narrows FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Buffalo Narrows Northern Village of Buffalo Narrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Buffalo Narrows Northern Village of Cumberland House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Cumberland House Dalmeny's Seniors Association Incorporated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Dalmeny Hudson Bay Family & Support Centre Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Hudson Bay Big Brothers Big Sisters of Humboldt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Humboldt Humboldt Community Soup Kitchen Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Humboldt PARTNERS Family Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Humboldt

Great Plains College, Kindersley Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Kindersley Ile a la Crosse Friendship Centre Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Ile a la Crosse Northern Village of Ile a la Crosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Ile a la Crosse Kikinahk Friendship Centre - La Loche FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | La Loche Children North Early Intervention Program Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | La Ronge Gabriel Dumont Institute (La Ronge Campus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | La Ronge Kikinahk Friendship Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | La Ronge Great Plains College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Martensville Meadow Lake and Area Early Childhood Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . | Meadow Lake Meadow Lake Outreach Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Meadow Lake Melfort Group Homes Society Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Melfort North East Outreach and Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Melfort Montreal Lake Cree Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Montreal Lake Nipawin Daycare Cooperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Nipawin Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Prince Albert John Howard Society of Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Prince Albert Jubilation Residential Centres - Senior's Advocacy Centre . . . . . . . . | Prince Albert PA Metis Women Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Prince Albert Young Women's Christian Association of PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Prince Albert Good Neighbours Food Centre Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Rosthern Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatoon Branch Inc. . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon CHEP Good Food Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon CJWW Denny Carr Secret Santa Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City Inc. . . . | Saskatoon Eden Care Communities Foundation Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Family Service Saskatoon Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2021 Community Impact Report

| Saskatoon

C ON T I N U E D

Friends Together Childcare Cooperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Frontier College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Haven Family Connections Incorporated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Hindu Society Of Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Hope Restored Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon John Howard Society of Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Saskatoon

Nutrien Wonderhub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon OUTSaskatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Prairie Harm Reduction Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Prairie Hospice Society Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon READ Saskatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon (Holy Family) . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Salvation Army in Canada - Saskatoon Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Sanctum Care Group Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon & District Labour Council Summer Snack Program . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming Inc. (SCYAP) . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. /EGADZ . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Saskatoon

Saskatoon Food Bank Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Friendship Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Indian & Metis Friendship Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Saskatoon

Saskatoon Services for Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Saskatoon Young Men's Christian Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Start2Finish Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon STR8 UP 10,000 Little Steps To Healing Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Saskatoon

Sum Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon Tamarack Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon The FASD Network of Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon The Kidney Foundation of Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Saskatoon

The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Saskatoon

The Micah Mission Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Saskatoon

White Buffalo Youth Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Saskatoon YWCA Saskatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Saskatoon

Wapiti Regional Library - Star City Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

| Star City

Northern Hamlet of Stony Rapids (Athabasca Health Authority) . . . . . | Stony Rapids Northeast Regional Victim Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Tisdale

2021 Community Impact Report

DIVERSITY AND INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT 2021 has brought to light the devasting truth of Canada’s past. With the continuing discoveries of the burial sites of murdered children who attended Indian Residential Schools in Canada and right here in Saskatchewan our hearts ache for the pain this truth has opened for Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Engagement for United Way is more than a title, more than a checked box - it is a way of thinking and working that intersects and is woven through all areas of our work. INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT VISION STATEMENT United Way of Saskatoon and Area recognizes the historic and contemporary importance of Indigenous Peoples in our community. We are

committed to enhancing our relationships with Indigenous communities and to modeling respectful engagement with Indigenous Peoples. VALUE STATEMENT Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and respect for their culture, traditions and governance structures is a fundamental value of United Way. United Way endorses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and is committed to improving the quality of life for the most vulnerable people in Saskatoon. We will ensure we consider and incorporate the Calls to Action into our organizational structure, community impact strategies and strategic direction of our organization.

United Way specifically focuses on Calls to Action #57, #66 and #92.

#57

Provide education on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

2021 Community Impact Report

#66

Establish multi-year funding for community-based youth organizations.

#92

Adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous Peoples and their lands and resources.

WÎCIHITOWIN INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT CONFERENCE As a founding planning committee member and sponsor, United Way has been proud to support the Wîcihitowin Indigenous Engagement Conference since 2015. This important learning opportunity has brought important change to Saskatoon and our province. In 2020 the conference went digital with the theme “Through the Fire” with over 1,000 registrants.

SASKATOON SURVIVOR’S CIRCLE United Way provides operational support to the Saskatoon Survivor’s Circle (The Circle). The Circle is a group consisting of residential school survivors, 60s scoop survivors, and day school survivors. The Circle is called upon to guide and assist community groups and organizations to implement and answer the TRCs Calls to Action, specifically when the residential school era is discussed. Their shared knowledge and lived experience are here for a very short period of time, so it is critical that they have the opportunity to share their stories and teachings as Saskatoon continues its journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. As well as providing education, the Survivors have the opportunity to advocate for positive and legislative change that will affect the lives of their descendants and all people.

2021 Community Impact Report

UNITED WAY IN THE COMMUNITY

WOMEN LEADING THE WAY With the COVID-19 pandemic came significant change and the need for adaptability. United Way’s first virtual event was our annual Women Leading the Way event. This event is an opportunity for women to come together to learn, network, and grow. This free online event had nearly 150 virtual attendees. Three panelists, Allyse Cruise, Deandra Bailey, and Andrea Howe explored the importance of connection and community from different sectors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and shared their stories about the relationships they built in our community to stay #UnitedApart. The panel was moderated by Dr. Debra Pozega Osburn, Vice President of University Relations for the University of Saskatchewan.

STUFF THE BUS United Way’s annual Stuff the Bus and Kick-off was also forced to adapt in 2020. The Stuff the Bus collection drive enables the public to donate items including hygiene supplies, diapers, baby formula, and winter wear. In 2020, Stuff the Bus moved to a drive-thru format that allowed for contactless drop off. Thank you to those who donated! The items were later delivered to: Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op, Haven Kid’s House (formally Saskatoon Crisis Nursery), International Women of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Interval House, and SWITCH.

2021 Community Impact Report

GENNEXT GenNext brings together people in their 20s and 30s to join United Way’s efforts to change lives. Through networking events and initiatives organized by United Way and the GenNext Volunteer Advisory Cabinet, Saskatoon’s emerging leaders are given the opportunity to learn more about the issues facing our city, connect with like-minded individuals, and create lasting change in our community. In 2020 GenNext: • Hosted a virtual speaker series on Mental Health & Isolation during COVID-19. • Collected items for United Way’s Kick-off and Stuff the Bus event.

• Launched their DoorStep Donations; an easy and safe way to collect items for local community agencies. Donors are asked to purchase the products, register for a pick-up online and the GenNext team will arranged a time to pick up your donations right from your doorstep, and get the items where they need to go! There first collection drive was in support of United Way’s Tampon Tuesday collection.

TAMPON TUESDAY 28 workplaces, businesses, unions and individuals collected product and/or contributed a financial donation to help people in our community gain access to menstrual hygiene products. The 14 Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Saskatoon organized their own collection drives and provided their customers with an option to make a financial donation. This combined effort resulted in 2,000 packages of product collected and over $5,000 in donations! Products were distributed to the following agencies: • OUTSaskatoon • St. Mark’s Elementary School • First Nations & Metis Health (SHA)

• Saskatoon Friendship Inn • Prairie Harm Reduction

• White Buffalo Youth Lodge • EGADZ

2021 Community Impact Report

ALL THAT KIDS CAN BE Children need a good start in life to become healthy adults. They need access to early literacy and developmental programs; positive school experiences during the middle years and the support to graduate from high school. They benefit from recreational activities, mentorship and opportunities to discover and develop their talents and interests. United Way is working to address these needs by granting funds to agencies who’s programming is focused on: Readiness for kindergarten

Achievement of grade level reading

Big brothers Big Sisters | Mentoring for children and youth. BGC of Saskatoon | Supporting Mini Club Programs - free before and after school programs at schools where there is a high percentage of vulnerable children and families. Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op (CNYC) | Skills building and cultural exploration for youth. Saskatoon Early Years Family Resource Centre (SEYFRC) | A drop-in centre for families with children aged 0 – 5 to engage in play and access information, supports, and services to raise healthy children. Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan (LDAS) | Tutoring for children and youth with learning disabilities. Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming (SCYAP) | Helps and supports youth through arts and cultural programming. Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. (EGADZ) | Supporting nutrition for youth and families - providing meals, snacks, emergency food packages, and cooking classes to vulnerable youth. Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation | Purchasing bus passes to support students getting to and from school safely to increase school attendance for vulnerable youth. Summer Success Literacy Camps | Helping vulnerable children move towards grade level reading.

2021 Community Impact Report

Readiness for independence

UNITED WAY IMPACT

406

170

children were paired with adult mentors, increasing their confidence and feelings of belonging, 97% of mentors indicated that the program helped their mentee believe that they matter to the people around them.

families were supported at a drop-in centre for families with children aged 0 - 5 to engage in play and access information, supports, and services to raise healthy children.

2,229

119

emergency food packs were distributed to youth at a drop-in centre.

children and youth attended before and after school programming and 83% of the children indicated feeling proud and confident as a result.

“I am more confident and ready to try new things like new projects and games. I was happy that someone outside of my family and school cared about me and wanted to spend time with me, it feels good to have an older person to teach me things other than my parents. I feel like I am better with school projects because of the support my mentor gave me.” | Youth Mentee

“ The program helped me graduate this year and not even just this year the whole time I’ve been there they have helped me come out of my shell and overcome my anxiety and become a better person, they have helped me grow skills I didn’t know I had and supported me through everything I’ve been through.” | Youth program participant

2021 Community Impact Report

POVERTY TO POSSIBILITY Every individual and family deserve to have their basic needs met. United Way is investing in programs and services that address the root causes of poverty, and build the capacity and assets required to move individuals and families from poverty into sustainable, healthy lives. United Way is working to address these needs by granting funds to agencies who’s programming is focused on:

Positive mental health and ability to handle life’s challenges

Connectedness and involvement in the community

CHEP Good Food Inc. | Provides knowledge and skills to enhance food security for vulnerable individuals and families. Community Legal Assistance Service for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) | Provides walk-in advocacy clinic and legal services for vulnerable individuals and families. SDLC Summer Snack Program | Nutritious snacks provided to vulnerable children in parks during the summer. Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre (SFBLC) | Access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. Saskatoon Friendship Inn (SFI) | Meals and support for vulnerable individuals and families. OUTSaskatoon | Provide funding to Pride Homes - housing options for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 16 - 21, and supporting housing referrals and navigation for 2SLGBTQ+ people of all ages. READ Saskatoon | Financial literacy for vulnerable individuals. Journey Home | Housing First program that helps chronically homeless individuals access stable housing.

2021 Community Impact Report

Ability to navigate services

UNITED WAY IMPACT

725

food boxes were delivered to seniors struggling with food security in Saskatoon.

13 2SLGBTQ+ individuals were sustainably housed, being provided a safe place to call home with access to 3 nutritious meals a day.

8,834 visits were made to a student-led health and wellness clinic offering culturally safe interdisciplinary services to Saskatoon’s core neighborhood. Support included clinical visits, childminding, meals and free income tax services.

71 youth ages 13 to 29 participated in group programing sharing their experiences with racism, community safety, education and access to services. They also participated in cultural programing including drumming circles and a smudge walk. 73% of the participants identified as Indigenous.

277 adults participated in 15 virtual and in-person financial literacy workshops with access to support from a financial institution and 90% of the individuals surveyed indicated they found the financial literacy workshops valuable and gained knowledge as a result of the programming.

205,167 meals were served to vulnerable men, women and children who would have otherwise gone without. “ On Christmas Day, I was floating around the dining room handing out small gift bags with chocolates to each of our guests. It was the weirdest Christmas ever - sad and joyful at the same time. Sad because of the sheer reality of only 25 guests eating a beautiful Christmas meal at a time, one per table, in 15-minute increments, all facing the same direction (a stark reminder of our COVID reality). Joyful because of the small triumph it was to actually be hosting a Christmas meal for the community. Barrie thanked me for the chocolates, and said, "Do you know what you do?" "Um... no, Barrie, what do I do?" I responded confused. And then the remark... "It's humanity what you do - you prevent the chaos." Whoa. It's true. Without a place to eat a meal, to warm up, or to socialize, our community would digress. When a person is hungry, when an immediate, daily need goes unmet, what happens? Few of us really know. Barrie told me the answer. It's chaos when you're hungry. The poignancy of this story is in the pronoun - YOU prevent the chaos. YOU is not just me, or the Friendship Inn staff, or volunteers. YOU is us. Our caring community that comes together to feed people. You, yes YOU prevent the chaos. This one comment was all the gift I needed on Christmas Day, and about all the reality I could digest. I'm still digesting the truth of it, and the power of a few words from one man who knows better than anyone what we do at the Friendship Inn.” | Sandra Kary, Executive Director, Saskatoon Friendship Inn

2021 Community Impact Report

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES Inclusion and engagement help offset social isolation and strengthen the ability to integrate successfully into the community and workplace. When individuals and families can access the supports and services that build skills and confidence, they are better equipped to overcome lifes challenges. United Way is working to address these needs by granting funds to agencies who’s programming is focused on: Positive mental health and ability to handle life’s challenges

Connection to and involvement in the community

Ability to navigate services

Canadian Mental Health Association - Saskatoon Branch (CMHA) | Mental health education and training. Community Living Association of Saskatoon Inc. (CLASI) | Programs and services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. CFS Saskatoon | Counselling services in the community for vulnerable individuals and families. Crocus Co-op | Support for individuals living with mental health issues. Elizabeth Fry Society | Outreach and support for criminalized women. Family Service Saskatoon (FSS) | Counselling services in the community for vulnerable individuals and families. FASD Network of Saskatchewan | Support and training for families, children, and adults affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Global Gathering Place | Resources for a social worker who will provide support and counselling to vulnerable newcomers. Inclusion Saskatchewan | Supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Prairie Harm Reduction | Through a partnership with Chokecherry Studios and Okihtcitawak Patrol Group, Prairie Harm Reduction supports victims/witnesses of violence and abuse through restorative healing practices as well as increasing community involvement for those living with mental health issues through youth art programming and monthly sharing circles. Saskatoon Association for Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (SARBI) | Psychosocial rehabilitation and recreation services for acquired brain injury survivors. Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service (SCIS) | Mobile Crisis services for vulnerable individuals and families. Saskatoon Indian & Metis Friendship Centre | Recreational, social, and cultural activities to enhance community connections and engagement with Indigenous Peoples. Saskatoon Interval House | Support for children in a women’s shelter. Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS) | Provides services to immigrant and refugee clients. Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre | Support for sexual assault survivors. Saskatoon Sexual Health | Sexual and reproductive health education, advocacy, and clinical services. Spinal Cord Injury (Saskatchewan) Inc. (SCI) | Rehabilitation and support for individuals with spinal cord injuries. STR8UP-10,000 Little Steps to Healing | Supports for exiting gang members as they disassociate themselves from violence and criminal street lifestyles to embark on a healthier path. SWITCH (Saskatoon Student Wellness Toward Community Health) | A student-led health and wellness clinic offering culturally safe interdisciplinary services to the core. 211 Saskatchewan | Service providers connect individuals to a database of over 6,000 community and social services across the province.

2021 Community Impact Report

UNITED WAY IMPACT

239

individuals living with a mental health disorder participated in a transitional employment program completing 2,666 hours of paid work in the community.

youth accessed individual and/or group counselling to providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to support healthy growth and maturity.

1,147

750

adults, youth and children received individual and group counselling, supporting their mental health and well-being.

individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families were supported with access to services including, medical care, housing and income.

208

1,580

individuals working to exit the gang lifestyle accessed services including transportation, additions and mental health support, and help navigating the justice system. Their families, children and friends were also supported.

victims of sexual assault received counselling, education and group support in Prince Albert and surrounding area including, La Ronge, Pinehouse, Sucker River, Grandmother’s Bay, Stanley Mission and Meadow Lake.

117 newcomers received support and counselling to cope and manage stress and anxiety.

102

“Since my separation with an abusive partner over a year ago I’ve relied on counselling. Without this United Way funded agency, I wouldn’t be alive.” | Counselling Client

parents, grandparents and siblings who have a family member with an intellectual disability received information and support for their loved one and for their own well-being.

4,066 hours of counselling was provided for individuals and families helping them navigate healthy relationships and build stronger families.

women seeking safety and shelter received parenting support through group activities while 67 children, newborn to age 16, of these mothers received education about domestic violence through age appropriate activities and information.

2021 Community Impact Report

Mark, Journey Home Participant & Jordan Mills, Director of Clinical Services at Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service

JOURNEY HOME Since its inception in 2014, Journey Home has become a community pillar which has safely housed 112 of our community’s most chronically homeless individuals. This has resulted in not only an improved quality of life for the participants but also a reduction in an overuse of emergency services.

2021 Community Impact Report

“ If you could imagine, there isn’t one fixed pathway to Journey Home. Essentially, the population that Journey Home works with is made up of the people who have been in cyclical crisis and chronically homeless. We work with who is in the most trouble, who is the most at risk, who has been homeless the longest without a solution in sight. It doesn’t matter who that person is. Journey Home will take them.” Jordan Mills, Director of Clinical Services at Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service.

By addressing the issue of homelessness first, Journey Home also plays a significant role in addressing other #UNIGNORABLE issues like, poverty, social isolation, domestic violence, unemployment, food security, and mental health for their participants. Homelessness is often not the only barrier their clients have to overcome. For Jordan, the connection between Journey Home and the people they serve can come from any number of circumstances and scenarios. One

such scenario is of a connection made starting in corrections or other institutional settings like acute care. “When we really start working with somebody, there are a few different ways to do it. One is that when they are in acute care or an institution, we go and visit them in that institution and we work with their clinical team, or with their guard or corrections unit so that we can communicate with them about what the plan is. This way, the day that they come out of that institution, they know that they’re going to go into a place. They know where they’re going to live, and they can see pictures of what their place looks like. That gives them a lot of hope, puts them at ease, and gets them looking toward their future.” “They’re not thinking, ‘I’m coming out into survival mode.’ We try to get them out of that and into thinking, ‘Hey, I’ve got a place to go, I’ve got a support team, I’ve already met my case manager, and I know that that person has got my back. I’ve got medicines hooked up; I’ve got food in my fridge, and I’m going to hit the ground running.’”

2021 Community Impact Report

SUMMER SUCCESS United Way knows that grade level reading is a key success factor in a child’s journey into adulthood. Research tells us that children who do not reach their grade level reading by grade three are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Summer Success camps deliver a two-week program focused on targeted literacy strategies to help students in grades one to four maintain or improve their grade level reading during the summer months. The #UNIGNORABLE issue of food security is also addressed through the camps in partnership with the Saskatoon and District Labour Council’s (SDLC) Summer Snack Program and CHEP. In 2020, the camps were cancelled due to COVID-19, but resumed in July 2021. In 2021, United Way also supported the launch of a Summer Success literacy camp in Big River. The 15 kids who attended were provided with backpacks, school supplies, and a hard covered book to take home.

2021 Community Impact Report

RESULTS In 2021, along with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, United Way hosted six Summer Success literacy camps, at five schools with 100 students registered and 13 teachers. The average total attendance was 69%. This is a lower average than in previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic (parents keeping children at home due to health concerns such as cold symptoms, fever, etc.).

69% of the children who participated in the full two weeks of the camps maintained or increased their reading levels. This is a lower average than in previous years, as a result of learning from home in 2020. Many children were further behind at the beginning of the camps and were not able to catch up to the grade level reading during the two-week camps.

backpacks full of quality school supplies were distributed to students.

2,320

prepacked lunches and snacks were provided for each student by the SDLC Summer Snack Program.

190 CHEP Good Food Box vouchers were distributed. Students participated in excursions at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, and the Saskatoon Forestry Farm and Zoo.

950

take home books were distributed to camp participants. students self-identified 70% ofas the Indigenous.

300 Students to date helped by United Way’s Summer Success camps! THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 SPONSORS AND PARTNERS • Cargill Ltd. • Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon • K+S Potash Canada

• Conexus Credit Union • Saskatoon & District Labor Council

2021 Community Impact Report

211 SASKATCHEWAN

2020 RESULTS

Top searches on the 211 Saskatchewan website: • Mental Health • Homelessness/Housing • Income Support (including employment) • Food Security • Children/Families • Seniors

202,978

unique visits were made to the 211 Saskatchewan website.

COVID-19 AND 211 SASKATCHEWAN United Way’s 211 service saw a significant increase in call volume and website searches at the height of the pandemic. The priority for the 211 team was to keep the database up to date with service and program options as business closures and restrictions were changing rapidly. 26

2021 Community Impact Report

From January to December, 211 community navigators answered 3,036 service inquiries – 2,355 phone calls, 321 texts, 300 web chats and 60 e-mails from individuals looking for support. The top five issues reported through calls, texts, web chat and e-mails were: • Health Care • Mental Health and Substance Use • Basic Needs • Income Support/Employment • Criminal Justice and Legal Services

Between March and December 2020 call volume increased 105% over the previous year and web searches were up 23% over 2019’s searches. The top 3 needs for services throughout COVID-19 were health, addiction services, and basic needs. Clients were directed to the services or programs to best suit their needs, including being directed to 811.

JANE’S STORY

| Jane Horner (left), and her sister, Heather

Changing lives through humble philanthropy - Jane Horner “ Auntie Jane inspired philanthropy in others by just being who she was. She didn’t brag about it. Others were inspired just by listening to her stories; you could feel her passion,” says Jane’s niece Melanie. Charlotte, or as people knew here, Jane, grew up on a farm in South Eastern Saskatchewan with her loving parents and three siblings. Jane’s parents, Doreen and Fred, humble philanthropists themselves, instilled the importance of giving in their children. It was an unspoken belief in their household that if you were able to give your time or had the financial means to donate, you should do so. The act of helping and caring for others came naturally to Jane. She did not often speak about her giving, but there were subtle hints around her house that let her friends and family know she had a big heart. One of Jane’s biggest passions was music which she turned into a career, working as a band teacher for many years. Jane retired from teaching, and in 2002 completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan with a major in Human Resources, a designation and skillset she used solely for volunteer work. Jane supported many charitable organizations during her life, including sitting on the Board of Directors for the Saskatoon Open Door Society.

Jane grew up with an inherent affinity towards helping people. Housing and homelessness were causes important to her parents, and they often spoke as a family about the dignity surrounding housing. Jane herself spearheaded a “Horner Family build” with Habitat for Humanity in 2004 and was continually involved with the charity, believing wholeheartedly that everyone deserves a home. In 2013, Jane made a substantial gift to United Way of Saskatoon & Area’s Journey Home, housing first program. She made a second gift in 2017. Journey Home’s mission to end homelessness for Saskatoon’s most vulnerable citizens was an initiative that deeply resonated with Jane. The program, designed to end homelessness while supporting people mentally, physically, culturally, and emotionally was something Jane was avid about supporting, even after her death. Jane is remembered for her confidence, humor, wisdom, and humility. Her hope for the future was that her family would also give to others as she did and teach their children the importance of philanthropy, whether through time or money. Jane left a legacy in our hearts for giving, kindness, and passion for human rights.

2021 Community Impact Report

ACTS OF LOCAL LOVE DONATE By donating to United Way, you move families and individuals out of poverty into healthy and sustainable situations; you create opportunities for participation in community initiatives; and you provide children and youth with the means to become successful young adults.

ENCOURAGE OTHERS You can show your local love by using your voice, getting informed, and educating your friends, family and co-workers about the growing needs in our community.

VOLUNTEER Whether you are passionate about improving social conditions or are new to the community and looking for an opportunity to connect, you can show local love by giving your time and getting involved.

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